KARACHI: Senior reporter of a private news channel, Ali Imran went missing on Friday evening after he had reportedly gone to a nearby bakery but did not return home.
As per the details, Ali Imran left home between 7pm-8pm and told the family that he would come back in half an hour but did not return despite the passage of many hours.
His car is parked outside the house and his mobile phone is also at home, said his wife.
The family said the police authorities were informed about Imran’s disappearance, who have registered a case against the disappearance.
Meanwhile, the relevant news channel’s administration said Karachi police chief and DIG East have also been informed about his disappearance.
According to the Police , the scene will be thoroughly inspected and CCTV footage will be obtained to probe further into the matter.
Sindh CM orders IG for immediate recovery
While taking notice of the matter, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed Inspector General of Sindh Police Mushtaq Mahar to ensure the reporter is immediately recovered.
“Such actions against journalists are intolerable,” said Murad Ali Shah.
“I want a progress report on Ali Imran every hour.”
In a conversation with Geo News management, the CM assured the channel’s management that Ali Imran will be returned soon.
Federal agencies directed to cooperate with Sindh govt: Shibli Faraz
Federal Information Minister Shibli Faraz has assured all concerned federal agencies have been directed to cooperate with the Sindh government for the recovery of the news reporter.
“The Sindh government and police should utilize all their resources for the recovery of Geo News reporter Ali Imran,” said the minister. He added that the “protection of journalists” was the responsibility of the government.
Pakistan is becoming an unsafe country for journalists: Ahsan Iqbal
Member of National Assembly from Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), Ahsan Iqbal said under Imran Khan government Pakistan is becoming an unsafe country for journalists. He also condemned the ‘latest abduction’ and demanded immediate release.
Journalists condemn incident
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemned the disappearance of the journalist. PFUJ President Shahzad Zulfiqar and General Secretary Nasir Zaidi appealed to the IG Sindh to release the CCTV footage of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) said it was extremely concerned and worried about the missing reporter Syed Ali Imran.
“We demand the provincial and federal governments and all law enforcement and security agencies to make efforts and ensure a safe return of Ali to his family and journalist fraternity,” said the group in a statement.
Senior Journalist Azhar Abbas said their priority is Ali’s early and safe recovery. He also raised concerns over his 16 hour long disappearance.
Journalist Gharidah Farooqi shared video of the reporter’s distressed wife giving the details of his disappearance.
“This is a comedy & circus of state affairs. Journalism is not a crime.”, Farooqi said
Senior journalist Kamran Khan regarded the matter as extremely shocking and concerning. He demanded the police and Sindh government to take serious notice of this horrific incidence.
